Every day, countless stray pups cling to hope as they fight for survival on harsh streets. They long for a gentle hand, a safe home, and a family who will finally see their worth.
Gloria, a tiny stray suffering from mange, was one of those pups. Despite her painful condition, she held on to the belief that kind humans would one day come to her rescue.
At just nine to ten weeks old, Gloria’s chance came when Burlington Animal Services picked her up. Soon after, she was transferred to Hope Animal Rescue, a North Carolina nonprofit that quickly set her on the path to recovery.
Meeting Her Foster Mom
When the rescue reached out to Emily Dunn, one of their longtime fosters, they asked if she’d take in a puppy battling mange.
The moment Dunn saw Gloria’s photo, she was captivated by her soulful eyes. She instantly agreed to foster her and help her heal.
Meeting Gloria in person the next day was both heartbreaking and hopeful. The pup was diagnosed with demodex mange and a skin condition, leaving her nearly bald with crusty, wrinkled skin.
And yet, even in her fragile state, Gloria wagged her tail when she saw Emily—almost as if she knew she had finally found someone who cared.
Holding Gloria’s face in her hands, Emily stroked her gently, offering reassurance. As soon as they arrived home in Raleigh, North Carolina, Emily gave her a soothing medicated bath.
Gloria instantly relaxed. Her eyes shimmered with relief and gratitude as she looked at her foster mom. All she wanted was to be close, to be held, and to feel loved.
The Pup Begins To Heal
At her first vet visit, Emily was stunned to hear something unexpected—Gloria wasn’t a puppy at all, but an adult dog.
Despite looking so small and youthful, Gloria was the product of poor backyard breeding. Years of neglect had taken a toll on her body, leaving her frail and unhealthy.
With proper treatment, progress soon followed.
“We are so excited to see her hair start to grow and for her to be less crusty. Already, in just a few short days, we can see her markings better and she’s shedding a lot less. Her spirit never changed though, she is still so spunky and happy,” Dunn said in an interview.
Gloria blossomed under her foster mom’s love. She adored cuddles, wagging her tail the moment she made eye contact.
“She just wags her tail and wants to be loved as soon as you make eye contact with her… She will cuddle up in your lap and is happy to hang out,” Dunn added.
A Bright Future
Day by day, Gloria’s skin healed, her fur began to grow back, and her confidence returned. She showered Emily with affection, grateful for every ounce of care.
Though she’s not yet officially available for adoption, Gloria’s story has already touched many hearts. Dozens of applications have come in from people eager to welcome her into their homes.
Once she makes a full recovery, Gloria will be ready to start the next chapter of her life—with a forever family who will cherish her just as much as Emily has.